Word for the Week

Week beginning: 15th December, 2013

By Andrew Myers | St Albans

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord."

Colossians 3:22 (NIV, 1984)

We've all done it. An early start or a late finish in the office is wasted if those who matter don't get to know of our endeavours. Subtly, of course: we make an unnecessary walk past our boss's office. We choose those early or late times to send emails (do remember to delete the "sent from my iphone" line). Then there are the ways of feigning hard work: going home leaving our jacket on our chair, our computer and lights on, and a pen on the desk. We go to that marketing event not to help to win work, but to be noticed there, to be seen by our boss as a "team player" and "a good egg".

But that is not how God would have us behave. Paul tells us to work "not only when [your boss's] eye is on you". For us it is the "sincerity of heart" that matters, not the outward appearance to those who decide our fate or our bonus. We work because God is watching. We work for Him and for His reward. Let us be thorough and excellent in our work so He is pleased. And leave it to God to decide who, if anyone, gets to hear of it.

Prayer Points:

1) Thank God for the work he has given you to do and where you have failed in honouring Him seek his forgiveness.

2) Thank God too that in amongst our failings He is faithful to forgive, praise Him for his wonderful gift of grace.